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A Witch and her Cats Cozy Adventure Mystery #8.5
Game of Bones
If you've ever wondered what it might be like if Marple and Potter joined forces, then this is the book for you.
All Hattie Jenkins wanted was a fun night at the annual Mabon Fair. But when a boat of old bones washes up on Sugar Beach, Hattie and the cats fall head first into a murder mystery that tells them: Sometimes its best to leave your skeletons in your closet.
Belly-laughs and belly-rubs ... this short story has it all.
All Hattie Jenkins wanted was a fun night at the annual Mabon Fair. But when a boat of old bones washes up on Sugar Beach, Hattie and the cats fall head first into a murder mystery that tells them: Sometimes its best to leave your skeletons in your closet.
Belly-laughs and belly-rubs ... this short story has it all.
69 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 5, 2017
211 people are currently reading
115 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
November 11, 2019
What a fun short story! This book is number 8.5 in the Hattie Jenkins series. I haven't read any other book from this series but I had no problem understanding and enjoying this story. I fell in love with Hattie's cats and the mystery was pretty good too. A little too short to build the drama or climax but it was fun. The cats provided several LOL moments for me. I would read this series based on this short story.
January 5, 2020
Fun short story.
July 19, 2024
I had never read this series before and didn't realize until the end that this story, even though labelled 8.5, is actually set in the beginning series. It explains a few things because I thought that Hattie was really dense when it came to investigations and it really annoyed me. I felt a bit better about her at the end but some of the damage had been done. There were some funny moments but a lot felt just silly.
September 30, 2018
Witch or Treat: A Collection of Paranormal Cozy Shorts - Ooops, I waited to long to read this collection and now it's not available on Amazon. Oh well, this is a good set of short stories, most of which can be read without having read the previous books in their series. There was one that this doesn't apply. One is gosh-awful. I was introduced to several unknown authors, but I got this for the authors I enjoy reading: Regina and Lynn, Joynell, D. S. and Ruby. Now I have more authors that I would like to read again. All the shorts have a summary, which I appreciate knowing about a story before I read it. Some of these are spoilers (part of a series) and some aren't. Most books needed minor editing.
Nikki Haverstock, The Case of the Exploding Luck Pumpkin - My first story by this author. I found it funny, entertaining, but I kept seeing Vin Diesel as the Vin Mage), and interesting with good sexual tension. 4*
Danielle Garrett, Cats, Bats, and Talking Hats - My first story by this author. I found it not to my liking. There were continuous references to previous stories without details explaining them. This story fits between the first two books of the Beechwood Harbor Magic series. 3*
Regina Welling and Erin Lynn, One Spell of A Night - I enjoy what I've read so far by these two ladies. This book follows No Chance in Spell. I found it interesting, fast paced and intriguing, and the characters are likable. 4*
Sonia Parin, 'tis the Season to be Creepy - My first story by this author. I found it funny and interesting. The communication is different. Luna is likable. I'll be reading more by Ms. Parin. 4*
Joynell Schultz, The Supernatural Life of a Superhero Wife - I enjoy reading anything by Ms. Schultz. Although I don't care for the superhero genre, I found this story to be funny, cute and entertaining, with a perfectly matched pair of characters. 4*
Ani Gonzalez, The Mystery of the Halloween Mask - My first story by this author, I think, although I found the store very familiar? I found it a funny, entertaining, fast paced and quickly read story. 4*
Cate Lawley, How to Date a Witch - My first story by this author. I found it well written and interesting, and it had good characters, I like Ben the best. The story wasn't ruined by not knowing the Vegan Vamp world. 4*
Ruby Blaylock, Hexing the Ex - I enjoy reading stories by Ms. Blaylock. I found this story interesting, fast paced and well written, with good characters. 4*
Amanda A. Allen, Costumes and Cauldrons - My first story by this author. I found it interesting and the characters likable. 4*
D. S. Butler, Harper Grant and the Poisoned Pumpkin Pie - I enjoyed reading some of the Harper Grant series and this was no exception. This is a short story filled with humor, magic and laughs. This time there isn't a murder, but there's an investigation that gets stopped when a big investigation happens. Harper uses a little magic and wonders if her magic caused the poisoning. Good for a coffee break or a little down time; very relaxing. Still clean. 4*
Ava Mallory, Witches & Stitches - My first story by this author. I found it hilarious, a bit intriguing and lots of fun to read. 4*
Pearl Goodfellow, GoB (Game of Bones) - My first story by this author. I found it rather stupid and in major need of editing. They're locked in a room and know the murder will be back with another can of neurotoxin, so they stand around gabbing, instead of blocking the faceplate. At least the cats are cool, when the writer isn't making them stupid. 2*
arny McFlynn, Howling Ian - My first story by this author and I don't care for her writing style. The part with envelope was ridiculous and confusing from there on. Skimming to find the end, I discovered an incomplete story, but not a cliffhanger since the story doesn't have any intrigue or suspense. 1*
Tegan Maher, Bubble, Bubble, Here Comes Trouble - My first story by this author. I found it interesting, funny, entertaining with a touch of intrigue. The characters are likable. 4*
April Aasheim, A Dark Root Samhain - My first story by this author. I found it interesting, simple and a quick read. The characters are likable. 3*
Witch or Treat End.
Nikki Haverstock, The Case of the Exploding Luck Pumpkin - My first story by this author. I found it funny, entertaining, but I kept seeing Vin Diesel as the Vin Mage), and interesting with good sexual tension. 4*
Danielle Garrett, Cats, Bats, and Talking Hats - My first story by this author. I found it not to my liking. There were continuous references to previous stories without details explaining them. This story fits between the first two books of the Beechwood Harbor Magic series. 3*
Regina Welling and Erin Lynn, One Spell of A Night - I enjoy what I've read so far by these two ladies. This book follows No Chance in Spell. I found it interesting, fast paced and intriguing, and the characters are likable. 4*
Sonia Parin, 'tis the Season to be Creepy - My first story by this author. I found it funny and interesting. The communication is different. Luna is likable. I'll be reading more by Ms. Parin. 4*
Joynell Schultz, The Supernatural Life of a Superhero Wife - I enjoy reading anything by Ms. Schultz. Although I don't care for the superhero genre, I found this story to be funny, cute and entertaining, with a perfectly matched pair of characters. 4*
Ani Gonzalez, The Mystery of the Halloween Mask - My first story by this author, I think, although I found the store very familiar? I found it a funny, entertaining, fast paced and quickly read story. 4*
Cate Lawley, How to Date a Witch - My first story by this author. I found it well written and interesting, and it had good characters, I like Ben the best. The story wasn't ruined by not knowing the Vegan Vamp world. 4*
Ruby Blaylock, Hexing the Ex - I enjoy reading stories by Ms. Blaylock. I found this story interesting, fast paced and well written, with good characters. 4*
Amanda A. Allen, Costumes and Cauldrons - My first story by this author. I found it interesting and the characters likable. 4*
D. S. Butler, Harper Grant and the Poisoned Pumpkin Pie - I enjoyed reading some of the Harper Grant series and this was no exception. This is a short story filled with humor, magic and laughs. This time there isn't a murder, but there's an investigation that gets stopped when a big investigation happens. Harper uses a little magic and wonders if her magic caused the poisoning. Good for a coffee break or a little down time; very relaxing. Still clean. 4*
Ava Mallory, Witches & Stitches - My first story by this author. I found it hilarious, a bit intriguing and lots of fun to read. 4*
Pearl Goodfellow, GoB (Game of Bones) - My first story by this author. I found it rather stupid and in major need of editing. They're locked in a room and know the murder will be back with another can of neurotoxin, so they stand around gabbing, instead of blocking the faceplate. At least the cats are cool, when the writer isn't making them stupid. 2*
arny McFlynn, Howling Ian - My first story by this author and I don't care for her writing style. The part with envelope was ridiculous and confusing from there on. Skimming to find the end, I discovered an incomplete story, but not a cliffhanger since the story doesn't have any intrigue or suspense. 1*
Tegan Maher, Bubble, Bubble, Here Comes Trouble - My first story by this author. I found it interesting, funny, entertaining with a touch of intrigue. The characters are likable. 4*
April Aasheim, A Dark Root Samhain - My first story by this author. I found it interesting, simple and a quick read. The characters are likable. 3*
Witch or Treat End.
June 2, 2018
I got a free copy of this story, after doing a search on Amazon. I was really hoping for the best with this story. Yes, it was free, yes, it was about something supernatural related, yes, it involved cats (which I love). But, sadly, I wasn't a fan of this story.
Questions/Comments:
I noticed several grammatical/punctuation errors. For example, "I felt my cheeks flush with burning with livid heat."
I felt like there were too many cats, with too many different personalities all introduced in a short period of time. Imagining cats talking like they're human would be interesting (some smarter than humans), but the fact that they still acted like cats (head-butting) seemed kind of strange.
This was just a short story. I'd figured it was book 1 of a series. Yet, the most important aspect of the main character is the fact she's a witch. "I won't go into why I'm reticent against unleashing my power..." Why? I figured the author would have included that info at some point later on in the story but nope.
Shade figures the flesh-eating bugs didn't eat the skeleton's hair because of the hair gel. Why did he go so long with it on the side of his face (wrinkling his nose in disgust) before finally removing it?
Hattie is outside of the church because she wants to talk to the vicar. One of the cats arrives to informs her that Portia is on her way. "...hands flew up to cover my head, and I immediately dropped lower to the ground. Duck-walking now" Why?
"I don't really need my cats playing up." Huh?
So there were "were lambs" in this story. I can say that's the first time I've ever read/heard of a shapeshifter/were creature being able to turn into a lamb. Do they change to were sheep once they get older?
Hattie is talking to her cats about how Portia Fearwyn hadn't been a fan of the vicar at the local church. There was a scene when she called the vicar an "imposter." "My own outburst surprised me..." What outburst?
It seemed almost contradictory that Hattie can do magic if she wants, the island she lives on hosts a variety of magical people/creatures, she refers to a "Goddess" instead of using "God: (as is a typical saying), for example, "Goddess, was it so hard for us to stay on topic?", yet, she goes to a non-magical church and believes in God? What religion is she?
Carbon arrives at the church after Hattie is locked inside. "Although my fireball cat had expressly gone against my orders of meeting him at the apothecary." When did she tell him this?
Portia was hidden away in a rug. Hattie and the cats didn't realize she was the one making the banging noise. Why didn't Portia call out? There was no mention of anything being in her mouth preventing her from talking. Why didn't she try to knock the rug over?
Who was Bran?
Questions/Comments:
I noticed several grammatical/punctuation errors. For example, "I felt my cheeks flush with burning with livid heat."
I felt like there were too many cats, with too many different personalities all introduced in a short period of time. Imagining cats talking like they're human would be interesting (some smarter than humans), but the fact that they still acted like cats (head-butting) seemed kind of strange.
This was just a short story. I'd figured it was book 1 of a series. Yet, the most important aspect of the main character is the fact she's a witch. "I won't go into why I'm reticent against unleashing my power..." Why? I figured the author would have included that info at some point later on in the story but nope.
Shade figures the flesh-eating bugs didn't eat the skeleton's hair because of the hair gel. Why did he go so long with it on the side of his face (wrinkling his nose in disgust) before finally removing it?
Hattie is outside of the church because she wants to talk to the vicar. One of the cats arrives to informs her that Portia is on her way. "...hands flew up to cover my head, and I immediately dropped lower to the ground. Duck-walking now" Why?
"I don't really need my cats playing up." Huh?
So there were "were lambs" in this story. I can say that's the first time I've ever read/heard of a shapeshifter/were creature being able to turn into a lamb. Do they change to were sheep once they get older?
Hattie is talking to her cats about how Portia Fearwyn hadn't been a fan of the vicar at the local church. There was a scene when she called the vicar an "imposter." "My own outburst surprised me..." What outburst?
It seemed almost contradictory that Hattie can do magic if she wants, the island she lives on hosts a variety of magical people/creatures, she refers to a "Goddess" instead of using "God: (as is a typical saying), for example, "Goddess, was it so hard for us to stay on topic?", yet, she goes to a non-magical church and believes in God? What religion is she?
Carbon arrives at the church after Hattie is locked inside. "Although my fireball cat had expressly gone against my orders of meeting him at the apothecary." When did she tell him this?
Portia was hidden away in a rug. Hattie and the cats didn't realize she was the one making the banging noise. Why didn't Portia call out? There was no mention of anything being in her mouth preventing her from talking. Why didn't she try to knock the rug over?
Who was Bran?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 14, 2018
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
May 27, 2019
Grudgingly helping with security for the town fair, natural born witch, Hattie Jenkins, stumbles upon a dead body! Hattie and the cats investigate hoping to fan the town sheriff's interest in Hattie. Beyond that unrequited love, nothing is clear here. Not Hattie's aversion to magic, stupid actions or logic leaps and especially not abandoned threads.
The town and Hattie's Infiniti cats were interesting enough to want to know more about them but a very bland Hattie held no intrigue. However, the true mystery of the short is why this reader continued with such a poorly edited stand-alone-able story with gaping holes and grammar issues while wishing the outing was an even shorter short story.
Rating 2stars
The town and Hattie's Infiniti cats were interesting enough to want to know more about them but a very bland Hattie held no intrigue. However, the true mystery of the short is why this reader continued with such a poorly edited stand-alone-able story with gaping holes and grammar issues while wishing the outing was an even shorter short story.
Rating 2stars
December 20, 2017
Strange
I am not one for paranormal and witch stories and this book was no exception. I had a bit of trouble understanding exactly what was going on in the beginning, but as the story went on, I got it.
This would not be something I would read on a continued basis. I think that those who enjoy stories like this, this is probably a decent book. I just found all of it a strange read. There are familiars in terms of immortal cats, an herbalist who is a witch but does not do magic, a love interest, and a murder. Some good plot but just a bit strangely written.
I am not one for paranormal and witch stories and this book was no exception. I had a bit of trouble understanding exactly what was going on in the beginning, but as the story went on, I got it.
This would not be something I would read on a continued basis. I think that those who enjoy stories like this, this is probably a decent book. I just found all of it a strange read. There are familiars in terms of immortal cats, an herbalist who is a witch but does not do magic, a love interest, and a murder. Some good plot but just a bit strangely written.
March 7, 2018
What and What?
I'm not truly sure how I feel about this book. The best thing about it was the cats. They were smart and fun at the same time. I thought Hattie was dumb and naive. What happened to her that she won't use her magic. She and her cats were on a mission to find out what happened to the guy they found dead in a boat. She's does it for the wrong reasons. To impress her friend, who she's secretly in love with. She almost dies in the process.
I may try another book to see if she gains some smarts.
I'm not truly sure how I feel about this book. The best thing about it was the cats. They were smart and fun at the same time. I thought Hattie was dumb and naive. What happened to her that she won't use her magic. She and her cats were on a mission to find out what happened to the guy they found dead in a boat. She's does it for the wrong reasons. To impress her friend, who she's secretly in love with. She almost dies in the process.
I may try another book to see if she gains some smarts.
June 17, 2018
A boat and a skeleton really don't add up to fun at the fair.
A great coffee break read. However please be warned that this story has alead been released. I don't remember in what, but i have read this before.. Going to the fair should have been fun but instead she finds herself searching for threats on the beach. She never expected to find a skeleton in a boat. Is this an old crime, a recent one or is it one of the God's called back. Can she and her cats get to the bottom of the mystery? Why has the new church leader provoked such strong feelings? The characters are as great as ever and although this is short, you really don't miss out on anything. A great read.
A great coffee break read. However please be warned that this story has alead been released. I don't remember in what, but i have read this before.. Going to the fair should have been fun but instead she finds herself searching for threats on the beach. She never expected to find a skeleton in a boat. Is this an old crime, a recent one or is it one of the God's called back. Can she and her cats get to the bottom of the mystery? Why has the new church leader provoked such strong feelings? The characters are as great as ever and although this is short, you really don't miss out on anything. A great read.
October 6, 2018
I have read the first three books in this series. (All three books and this short story need a much better editor because there is a large amount of missing punctuation and some spelling errors.) I love the eight black cats and Hattie's wit, so I was surprised when I hated this short story.
The cutesy nicknames for the cats were just awful. Thankfully, the nicknames are not used in the full length books. There were gaping holes in the short story as well that could have been fleshed out more. The story gives off the vibe that the author just gave up on this tale.
The cutesy nicknames for the cats were just awful. Thankfully, the nicknames are not used in the full length books. There were gaping holes in the short story as well that could have been fleshed out more. The story gives off the vibe that the author just gave up on this tale.
August 11, 2021
Pointless
This is also the prequel to the A Witch & Her Cats cozy series. It's good that I read "Filthy Witch and Dead Famous" (renamed Murder on the MEOWntain) first; I wouldn't have bothered with the series based on this story. The protagonist comes across as too stupid to live, no background is provided to make her more sympathetic, and there are glaring plot holes (not gagged but couldn't call for help, room to kick, etc.). The cats are great, but again, there's no backstory. I don't recommend this novella at all; skip this and just try the first in the series.
This is also the prequel to the A Witch & Her Cats cozy series. It's good that I read "Filthy Witch and Dead Famous" (renamed Murder on the MEOWntain) first; I wouldn't have bothered with the series based on this story. The protagonist comes across as too stupid to live, no background is provided to make her more sympathetic, and there are glaring plot holes (not gagged but couldn't call for help, room to kick, etc.). The cats are great, but again, there's no backstory. I don't recommend this novella at all; skip this and just try the first in the series.
January 27, 2019
Cute little mystery
This was a good introductory short. It wasnt the best story I've read but it wasn't the worst either. It was just enough to introduce the characters and their roles in the series of books. I love the fact that she has all those familiar.. Im a cat person so that was a big plus. Over all it was a good read and worth trying out if you're looking for a cute and cozy mystery. I will be following the series
This was a good introductory short. It wasnt the best story I've read but it wasn't the worst either. It was just enough to introduce the characters and their roles in the series of books. I love the fact that she has all those familiar.. Im a cat person so that was a big plus. Over all it was a good read and worth trying out if you're looking for a cute and cozy mystery. I will be following the series
March 10, 2019
Extraordinary Tale
Game of Bones (GoB): A Hattie Jenkins & the Infinity Short Story, by Pearl Goodfellow is by far the best short story I've read in years! I absolutely LOVE this cast of characters, and the atmosphere is incredibly magical and wonderful! The mystery was enjoyably impossible to figure out until the end, and was an awesome outcome. I'm going to read absolutely EVERYTHING Ms. Goodfellow has written. I am enamored of this wonderful world she has created!
Game of Bones (GoB): A Hattie Jenkins & the Infinity Short Story, by Pearl Goodfellow is by far the best short story I've read in years! I absolutely LOVE this cast of characters, and the atmosphere is incredibly magical and wonderful! The mystery was enjoyably impossible to figure out until the end, and was an awesome outcome. I'm going to read absolutely EVERYTHING Ms. Goodfellow has written. I am enamored of this wonderful world she has created!
September 23, 2019
Not a whole lot to read to really get involved in the plot. Boring, short-lived and sadly, good riddance!
I don't recommend it. It's too short and vague to get interested in the story. Not a bad bit of writing, just not enough time, trouble spent working with the plot, character development, storyline, or background story, to pull a new potential reader into the author's tale.
I don't recommend it. It's too short and vague to get interested in the story. Not a bad bit of writing, just not enough time, trouble spent working with the plot, character development, storyline, or background story, to pull a new potential reader into the author's tale.
September 26, 2023
a short but delightful book!
I thoroughly enjoyed Hattie's clowder of 8 black cats who talk, protect Hattie, and help her solve mysteries. There are evil doers doing evil deeds and a witch who flies around on her broom in addition to the cats.
So, it is definitely a curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy kinda book. I am looking forward to more Hattie and the Infiniti books.
I thoroughly enjoyed Hattie's clowder of 8 black cats who talk, protect Hattie, and help her solve mysteries. There are evil doers doing evil deeds and a witch who flies around on her broom in addition to the cats.
So, it is definitely a curl up in a comfy chair with a cup of tea and enjoy kinda book. I am looking forward to more Hattie and the Infiniti books.
December 28, 2017
Hattie Jenkins is a witch who can talk to her eight cats. When Hattie and a few of her cats find a boat with a skeleton the mystery begins. This is a short fun adventure I think both Young adults and adults can enjoy.
January 12, 2018
A fun witchy short with cats!
Pearl Goodfellow has served up a fun story that you can easily read in one evening or a couple of workday lunches. Fun, nicely edited and clean. Enjoy this one.
Pearl Goodfellow has served up a fun story that you can easily read in one evening or a couple of workday lunches. Fun, nicely edited and clean. Enjoy this one.
January 17, 2018
Great little short
I always love the Infinity cats. They are full of personality. and each so different from the rest. This is a complete mystery in a small package, and a rather challenging one. If you love mysteries and cats, this one is for you.
I always love the Infinity cats. They are full of personality. and each so different from the rest. This is a complete mystery in a small package, and a rather challenging one. If you love mysteries and cats, this one is for you.
September 11, 2018
Intriguing
Very good but, so many grammatical errors. It was a real shame as the story was fantastic. A good proof reader wouldn't go amiss. However, I did enjoy the book and would read another.
Very good but, so many grammatical errors. It was a real shame as the story was fantastic. A good proof reader wouldn't go amiss. However, I did enjoy the book and would read another.
October 3, 2018
"A mixed bag"
I can't enthuse about this one I'm afraid. There are issues with the writing and the subject matter didn't grab me. Rather than dissect it in more detail I've decided to give it an average rating and move on.
I can't enthuse about this one I'm afraid. There are issues with the writing and the subject matter didn't grab me. Rather than dissect it in more detail I've decided to give it an average rating and move on.
April 26, 2020
It was a cute, fun story. Which is exactly what I need right now.
But there were a lot of mistakes with spelling and punctuation. And at times the writing was quite lacking. Despite this, I may look into her other work.
But there were a lot of mistakes with spelling and punctuation. And at times the writing was quite lacking. Despite this, I may look into her other work.
April 11, 2021
Suspenseful, Fun
A great paranormal story that's for great characters, whimsical cats full of magic and mischief, suspense, unexpected twists, and is enjoyable from beginning to end!
A great paranormal story that's for great characters, whimsical cats full of magic and mischief, suspense, unexpected twists, and is enjoyable from beginning to end!
September 14, 2022
Nice mystery.
I like this story. This is a quick read. I like the plot and characters. Hattie's cats have distinct personalities. The cats are old and magical. The murderer was a surprise to me if you want a quick mystery, I recommend this story.
I like this story. This is a quick read. I like the plot and characters. Hattie's cats have distinct personalities. The cats are old and magical. The murderer was a surprise to me if you want a quick mystery, I recommend this story.
December 8, 2017
Fun read. Already book with 7 in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2018
I like cats now. Lol
This is an interesting book. It’s a cosy mystery with witches and talking cats. The cats are hilarious and the “investigator” will find her way with their help.
This is an interesting book. It’s a cosy mystery with witches and talking cats. The cats are hilarious and the “investigator” will find her way with their help.
January 10, 2018
Loved this short book!
January 14, 2018
LOVED IT!
I truly love Hattie and the Infiniti. I would give a lot to be able to actually talk to my kitties.
I truly love Hattie and the Infiniti. I would give a lot to be able to actually talk to my kitties.
February 10, 2018
Absolutely briliant
If you like your paranormal with tongue in cheek then this is the book for you. It has no sex or real violence so would be good for pre-teens up.
If you like your paranormal with tongue in cheek then this is the book for you. It has no sex or real violence so would be good for pre-teens up.
February 23, 2018
Great short read
A wonderful prequel that sets the stage for more enticing tales of wicked deeds. I look forward to reading more about Hattie and the Infiniti.
A wonderful prequel that sets the stage for more enticing tales of wicked deeds. I look forward to reading more about Hattie and the Infiniti.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews